Glenn Hoddle: Raphinha could fancy Leeds United exit if Manchester City come calling
Glenn Hoddle believes that Leeds United attacker Raphinha could leave for Manchester City this summer.
The Brazilian is in the midst of a contractual situation at Elland Road and hasn’t put pen to paper to a new deal.
While it hasn’t affected his performances, there is a feeling that his heart may be elsewhere and he could leave at the end of the season.
Speaking on the Premier League Analysis Show, Hoddle, a BT Sport pundit, said, “Most definitely [Raphinha will leave]. Maybe Manchester City have that style of play and he could be set for a move there. I think he’s excellent.”
Possibility
If City are looking to replace Raheem Sterling this summer, we will not be surprised if Raphinha is one of the first names on their shortlist.
The Brazilian has played and thrived under Marcelo Bielsa’s high pressing and positional play centric system so he could kill it under Pep Guardiola.
He currently has a new deal on the table, but has not signed it yet and that could be because his agent Deco is looking at the best alternatives for him.
Most Leeds fans know that he will be leaving sooner or later but would want him staying put for another season.
However, that could mean that the transfer fee will be considerably lower and the club need to make that call quickly.
It remains to be seen how this entire saga transpires.